The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and the Home Oxygen Program
(HOP) are administered by the Assistive Devices Branch (ADB) of the
Ontario Ministry of Health.

The objective of both ADP and HOP is to financially assist Ontario residents
with long term physical disabilities to obtain basic, competitively priced,
personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual's needs and
essential for independent living.

Devices covered by the program are intended to give people increased
independence and control over their lives. They may allow them to avoid
costly institutional settings and remain in a community living arrangement.

Equipment Funded by ADP and HOP

ADP covers over 15,000 separate pieces of equipment or supplies in the
following categories: prostheses; wheelchairs/mobility aids and specialized
seating systems; ostomy, and enteral feeding supplies; needles and syringes
for insulin-dependent seniors; monitors and test stripes for insulin-dependent
diabetics. (through agreement with the Canadian Diabetes Association);
hearing aids; respiratory equipment; orthoses (braces, garments and pumps);
visual and communication aids; and incontinence supplies for those born
after July 1, 1963.

HOP pays for oxygen and oxygen delivery equipment, such as concentrators,
cylinders, liquid systems and related supplies, such as masks and tubing.

Eligibility

ADP

Any Ontario resident who has a valid Health Number issued in their name
and has a physical disability of six months or longer. Equipment cannot
be required exclusively for sports, work or school. Residents with a primary
diagnosis of a learning or mental disability are excluded from ADP, as
are those on Workers' Compensation. There are specific eligibility criteria
which apply to each device category.

HOP

Any Ontario resident who has a valid Health Number issued in their name
and has a chronic illness or dysfunction that requires long term oxygen
therapy.

Accessing ADP/HOP

Initial access is often through a medical specialist or general practitioner
who provides a diagnosis. In most device categories, an authorizer assesses
the specific needs of the person and prescribes appropriate equipment or
supplies. Finally, a vendor sells the equipment or supplies to the client.

In some device categories, such as adult hearing aids or prosthetic
devices, the assessor is also the vendor.

Authorizer

Most devices must be authorized by a qualified health care professional
registered with the program. There are currently over 5,000 registered
authorizers, working in hospitals, home care agencies or private practice.

Vendor

The program will only help pay for equipment that is purchased from
vendors registered with the Assistive Devices Branch.

Financial Assistance

ADP pays up to 75 percent of the cost of equipment, such as artificial
limbs, orthopaedic braces, wheelchairs, breast prostheses and breathing
aids. For others, such as hearing aids, the ADP contributes a fixed amount.
With regard to supply items as ostomy, incontinence and needles and syringes
for seniors, the ADP pays an annual grant directly to the person. HOP pays
100 percent of the cost of oxygen and related equipment for seniors and
those on social assistance, home care or residing in a long-term care facility,
and 75 percent for all others.

In most cases, the client pays a share of the cost at time of purchase
and the vendor bills ADP or HOP the balance.

For ADP supply categories where grants are paid, the client pays 100
percent of the cost of the vendor using funding provided by ADP.

All ages are eligible for devices except incontinence supply grants
which are restricted to those born after July 1, 1963 and the needles &
syringes grant which is restricted to insulin dependent seniors.

There are many sources of funding for the client's share of the cost
including: